Where is the optimal place to have an interface between two different metals?


hey-o!

it is pretty well established scientifically as well as anecdotally that at an interface of two different conductors composed of two different metals, distortion of a signal occurs.  this leads many to choose receptacles and power plugs (as well as IEC inlets and connectors)  made from the same metal.

my question is this: where is the best place to have the interface between different metals in order to reduce distortion?  there obviously needs to be some type of interface since in-wall wiring is copper and internal component wiring is often copper as well. so where does it make the most difference? is it in the receptacle/plug interface where everyone who cares about this focuses their attention? or do they focus their attention here because any of the other interfaces are too much of a pain in the ass to change?  what about the power cable itself?  i see lots of people who like rhodium plated recept/plug combos, but i've never seen any mention of rhodium plated cable.. so there's an interface between two different metals where the connectors join to the cables...

i truly am curious and would love your thoughts and discoveries on the matter.
toddverrone

Showing 2 responses by randy-11

it is well established scientifically that at an interface of two different metals, a tiny voltage is generated

this is the principle on which thermocouples are based - the voltage is so small that it was not until the 1970s that amplifiers were developed to make wide spread use of this principle


what did you see that makes you think an audio distortion of a signal occurs due to this effect?
re soldered connections

ARC used to have a big soldering machine, but they sold it after listening tests indicated that hand soldering gave them better sound

go figure...

re Where does it matter most? - likely everything matters more in the signal chain not the AC line supply - don't forget they have transformers in them which will eliminate or reduce noise

What matters most is the speakers tho not the pre-amps, etc.